Dr. Robert Magrisso of Winnetka will display art influenced by his near-death experience throughout October at Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter in Glenview. A reception will be Oct. 2Courtesy of Dr. Robert Magrisso

Headline changed to refelct correct title of art show

Nearly 20 years ago, Robert Magrisso, MD, of Winnetka survived a heart attack, cardiac arrest and near-death experience. The internist, former medical director at Midwest CareCenter in Glenview and self-taught artist, was 48 when he suffered a massive coronary attack and almost died. His doctors worked frantically and saved his life. He now reflects on that experience and uses the memories as inspiration for his artwork.

"Death, grief, healing and joy are some of the themes towards which I find myself gravitating," said Dr. Magrisso. "These are themes I daily encounter in my professional life as a general internist physician."

Dr. Magrisso's exhibit Light in Dark Places will be on display to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 1-31, in the Midwest CareCenter Atrium Art Gallery. An art reception in his honor will launch the exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Midwest CareCenter Atrium Gallery, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview.

"I used to joke that art was my therapy," explained Dr. Magrisso. "I no longer joke about it. It is therapy, especially since it is so different than the way I spend the vast majority of my time as a physician. In that capacity, I need to relate to a whole different set of experiences than my inner life, but the latter continues whether or not I am aware of it.

"I am daily in touch with death and I have noticed how often death is a theme in these works. I am in awe of the mystery and unknown, which I have sometimes had the privilege to touch in the lives of patients, friends and families."

For details or to RSVP to the reception, contact Linda Rockwell at (847) 556-1778 or lrockwell@carecenter.org.